Do You Pray For Others When You Yourself Are Sick?
Scripture taken from Luke 21:12-13, “But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”
I am currently reading a study that John Piper wrote called “Lessons From a Hospital Bed.” In the book, Piper wrote, “Pray for patients near you, and if possible – without undue offense – see if your roommates will let you pray for them and give them words of hope in Jesus.”
Piper also wrote the above Scripture and inserted additional words. Let me share them with you now. “You will be brought before kings and governors (and doctors and nurses and patients) for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.” Can you imagine the impact you can make for the gospel of Christ offering to pray for other patients, pray for doctors and nurses?
His analogy reminds me of when my Dad was in the hospital. He was in suffering from a bleeding stomach ulcer. The doctors had cauterized the ulcer and it had stopped bleeding. The next day, my Dad was brought to a room from the emergency department and his roommate was a man named Mr. Crumpler. My Dad started talking to this man about Jesus. He witnessed to him. Our pastor came to see my Dad and the pastor led Mr. Crumpler to Christ Jesus. That night, my Dad passed into the loving arms of Jesus due to complications from the stomach endoscopy. Even on his last day on this side of eternity, my Dad was instrumental in leading his roommate to Christ Jesus.
My Dad has been an inspiration to me all these years. I come from a family of Christian men and women who were in ministry as well as laypeople in the Church. I cannot stop talking about Jesus and how He has made a difference in my own life.
There is a saying among us who are in ministry. “You are as close to Jesus as you want to be! How close are you truly to Christ Jesus?” If you are a “true” Christian, then it is your responsibility to tell others about your Lord and Savior. It is your responsibility to pray for those who are sick as well as those who are suffering and are in need.
We must bear witness so that others may know the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Jesus said that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. One of the greatest acts of love is to show that you care for people. Do this by praying for them when you see them. If they are in the hospital, offer to pray for them. Give them the encouragement that they need in Christ Jesus. “You never know, you may be the only Bible people will ever read! You may be the only Jesus people will ever see!” – (Unknown)
Prayer: Dear Jesus, Help me to be a witness for you! I am willing to step out on faith and pray for others. Use me for your ministry.
In Jesus Name.
Amen.
Reference:
John Piper, Lessons From a Hospital Bed, 2016.
Written by Joseph T Lee for Marketplace Evangelism Ministries Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright January 20, 2024.
Marketplace Evangelism Today 